Official Launch of India’s New Ocean Research Vessel – ‘Sagar Manthan’

Hon’ble Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, virtually launched ‘Sagar Manthan’ in the gracious presence of Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar, Secretary, MoES, at Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata.

The launch and naming ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR; Dr. John Kurian, Group Director; and officials from NCPOR’s Vessel Operations Management Section. Built by GRSE - Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata, the vessel is being developed under the Deep Ocean Mission, with NCPOR, Goa, as the nodal agency.
Following its launch, superstructure erection, system integration, and extensive sea trials will proceed before its final delivery to NCPOR in 2028. The state-of-the-art vessel will strengthen India’s capabilities in deep-sea exploration, ocean observation, marine research and technology development.

Equipped for advanced seafloor mapping, geological and geophysical investigations, marine mineral exploration, biodiversity assessment and underwater technology, Sagar Manthan will help reduce dependence on external research platforms and advance India’s journey towards a knowledge-driven and sustainable Blue Economy.